Impaired consciousness caused by a metastatic adrenal tumor of pulmonary adenocarcinoma

Abstract

We report a case of pulmonary adenocarcinoma metastasizing to the adrenal glands, which caused adrenal insufficiency leading to impaired consciousness. A 62 year-old man was admitted with impaired consciousness. The patient started chemotherapy from 2004 for pulmonary adenocarcinoma. In August 2004, a metastatic adrenal tumor was detected and chemotherapy was continued thereafter. From July 2005, the patient started to have mild hyperkalemia, anorexia and general malaise, which progressed to disturbance of consciousness. At admission, physical examination showed generalized pigmentation in the skin and mucosa. Blood test revealed hypoglycemia, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. A dexamethasone suppression test and a rapid ACTH loading test led to a diagnosis of primary hypoadrenalism (Addison's disease). Treatment with hydrocortisone improved the physical status and blood test values. However, the patient subsequently died of disseminated intravascular coagulation due to the tumor. © 2008 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.